Nanotechnology is regarded as a basic innovation, expected to initiate innovations in different technological fields and societal areas of application. At the same time this launches questions of potentially negative consequences for the environment and health, particularly with regard to an uncontrolled release of nanoscale particles or their application in products of daily usage. Via food or cosmetic articles for instance the human body already gets in touch with nanoscale particles, e.g. added to consumer products as a flow regulating agent or an ultraviolet filter.
Regarding the early stage of development of nanotechnology, however, risk analyses involve high difficulties and uncertainties. Thus effects on consumers’ health could turn up only in the long run.
Along with the possibility of unforeseen risks the question for regulations for nanotechnology specifically is put. Now discussed likewise is the question of who is allowed to take part in decision making concerning issues of nanotechnology and on which fundament those decisions should be made.